Is RallyPoint Bridging the Gap between the different generations of veterans?

Excellent post as usual, Colonel. I personally never felt distanced from other vets, but I certainly have made friends here!

I as a civilian, have had the honor to "peek through the looking glass", so to speak. I can not answer for the Veterans. What I have observed on this site is nothing short of miraculous. Yes, I do believe it has "Bridged the Gap". For instance, my Dad USMC Korea loves Stephens Civil war Posts. My Dad is not on here, but through me, he can see. I prefer this site to many others, so for me it has bridge a gap as well, but not entirely. There is so much I need to learn.

I do see a resurgence but as stated, more needs to be done. We have all but lost the greatest generation and now it's time for us baby boomers to show the way - anyway will do.

I get along great with those that served in 'Nam and Korea. And know a few that were in WWII.

Veterans have historically been segregated by the US Government using a variety of techniques, dating back to the 100,000 veteran rally in DC. The government had only toyed with the veterans - one trick was to give bonds maturing in 1945 - pretty useless in 1925 or so. So the veterans got mad and descended on DC, where they were fired upon by the Army. There are 20 some odd million of us, and we have families. One voting block, or one consolidated and organized block of any kind is an absolute threat to our political friends, so using wars, times served, theaters of operations, etc, are simple devices meant to avoid a critical mass. That has tended to cause rifts, including among VSO's. Rally Point has deftly sidestepped these artificial divisive techniques by not being a government flunky or being constrained by federal funds. Well done, folks, on accomplishing your mission bringing us together as a community.

I find it refreshing to be able to discuss a number of topics with people who've served across several generations. It's also disconcerting to realize that in many ways that today's military thinking has been hobbled by the shackles of political correctness. Bottom line for me is I'm very impressed with RP so far.

i find it to be of great help. it has helped me understand that differences from one time period to to another, and also ow much the military has a whole has changed.

I haven't been on RallyPoint for very long at all, but I have noticed a few things.

1. If you have a fairly straight-forward question, it will likely be answered to the best of the community's ability.
2. There is a huge disparity in terms of demographics (i.e. it's mostly veterans, retirees, and those with rank)
3. There are two kinds of debates; helpful and heated. There is seldom in-between.

In conclusion, RallyPoint is helping to bridge the gap when it's something people can agree on, opinions can often overshadow facts however, when older veterans/retirees put on their rose-tinted-glasses and mock the current generation.

I hope this helps add some perspective from the Junior Enlisted side of things.

Yes, it's closing the gap, but as with many things there will always be room for improvement. I believe CPT Durish is spot on with his recommendations and reasoning.

I think so!